B.1.1.1 The skeleton

Axial Skeleton

It is the main axis of the body and has 80 bones: It consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribcage, and sternum.

Function of the axial skeleton

• Protects vital organs (e.g. brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs)

• Provides support for upright posture

• Central balance axis

• Allows mobility

• Attaches to the muscles that move your head and neck.

Skull

• Sits on top of the vertebral column

• Divided into the cranium and the face

• Protects the brain, eyes and ears

Vertebral column

• 33 vertebrae

• Coccyx (4 fused)

• cervical (7)

• Thoracic (12)

• Lumbar (5)

• Sacrum (5 fused)

Ribcage

• Contains 24 ribs (12 sets of 2)

• Protects the heart and lungs

Sternum

Flat bone that connects to the ribs forming the thoracic cgae.

Appendicular skeleton

Attaches to the axial skeleton and allows limb movement. Consists of:

• Shoulder girdle

Function of the appendicular skeleton

• Provides structure for muscles and facilitates movement

• Pelvic girdle protects reproductive organs, bladder, and lower intestines

• Longer bones primarily store energy

• Lower body has larger bones to support weight

Shoulder